Shortfin mako shark: Difference between revisions
revert - the accuracy dispute hasn't been resolved so why remove the tag? |
GrahamBould (talk | contribs) Mako's name origin |
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| binomial_authority = [[Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz|Rafinesque]], 1810 |
| binomial_authority = [[Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz|Rafinesque]], 1810 |
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==Anatomy and appearance== |
==Anatomy and appearance== |
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==Naming== |
==Naming== |
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{{Disputed-section}} |
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==Distribution== |
==Distribution== |
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The shortfin mako is found in [[temperate]] and [[tropical]] seas worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in [[New England]] waters{{fact}}. The closely related [[longfin mako shark]], ''Isurus paucus'', is found in the [[Gulf Stream]] or warmer offshore waters. |
The shortfin mako is found in [[temperate]] and [[tropical]] seas worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in [[New England]] waters{{fact}}. The closely related [[longfin mako shark]], ''Isurus paucus'', is found in the [[Gulf Stream]] or warmer offshore waters. |
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==Behavior== |
==Behavior== |
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The shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at over 22 |
The shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at over 22 mph (35 kph) but has been reported to swim as fast as [http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/shark_profiles/i_oxyrinchus.htm 46] mph. Shortfin makos can jump up to 20 ft in the air. Due to its speed and agility, this high leaping fish is sought as [[Game (food)|game]] worldwide. |
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==Reproduction== |
==Reproduction== |
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* {{marinebio|id369|name=Shortfin mako shark, ''Isurus oxyrinchus''}} |
* {{marinebio|id369|name=Shortfin mako shark, ''Isurus oxyrinchus''}} |
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* "Lamniformes." Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia E-Book. (requires license to view) |
* "Lamniformes." Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia E-Book. (requires license to view) |
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* [http://www.maori.info/maori_language.htm http://www.maori.info/maori_language.htm] |
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* [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mako http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mako] |
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[[Category:Sharks]] |
[[Category:Sharks]] |
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Revision as of 06:36, 12 August 2006
| Shortfin mako shark | |
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| Species: | I. oxyrinchus
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| Binomial name | |
| Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810
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The shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, ("sharp nose") is a large shark of the Lamnidae family. Along with the closely related longfin mako, Isurus paucus, it is commonly called just mako shark.
Anatomy and appearance
With a full-grown length of 9 - 13 ft (2.75 - 4 m) it has been reported to weigh up to 1,750 pounds (800 kg) and has a bluish back and white underside. Although the sexes grow at about the same rate, females are thought to have a longer life span, and grow larger and weigh more than the males. Shortfin makos are renowned for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. Mako sharks have the most perfect hydrodynamic shape of all sharks,and this, combined with the lamnidae's typical high aerobic muscle mass, reflects in the spectacular speed and agility of both the longfin and shortfin sharks[citation needed].
Naming
The name "mako" comes from the Māori language, but the etymology is unclear - see 'External links'.
Distribution
The shortfin mako is found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in New England waters[citation needed]. The closely related longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus, is found in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters.
Behavior
The shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at over 22 mph (35 kph) but has been reported to swim as fast as 46 mph. Shortfin makos can jump up to 20 ft in the air. Due to its speed and agility, this high leaping fish is sought as game worldwide.
Reproduction
The shortfin mako shark is a yolk-sac ovoviviparous shark, meaning it gives birth to live young who feed from a sac full of yolk in the womb. The gestation period for a mako shark is 15 - 18 months. Shortfin mako embryos in the female's body actually consume each other to get nutrients. This is called intrauterine cannibalism.
References
- Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes justification for why this species is near threatened
- "Isurus oxyrinchus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 23 January.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help) - Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2006). "Isurus oxyrinchus" in FishBase. May 2006 version.
External links
- Shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus at marinebio.org
- "Lamniformes." Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia E-Book. (requires license to view)
- http://www.maori.info/maori_language.htm
- http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mako